Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa was a senior Hamas leader and one of the founding members of the organization’s military wing. He played a pivotal role in Hamas’ military operations, including the planning and execution of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals.
Born in Syria, Al-Issa gained extensive combat experience while fighting in Iraq and Syria. He relocated to Gaza in 2005, bringing his military expertise to Hamas. Upon his arrival, he significantly contributed to Hamas’ operational capabilities following their takeover of Gaza in 2007.
Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa held several key positions within Hamas, contributing significantly to the organization’s military prowess. He served as the Head of Combat Support Headquarters, where he focused on enhancing Hamas’ operational capabilities, including aerial and naval attacks.
Additionally, Al-Issa was a member of Hamas’ General Security Council, where he had a central role in strategic planning. He was deeply involved in shaping the execution of military operations, ensuring that the group’s efforts were well-coordinated and effective.
On June 27, 2025, Al-Issa was killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. The operation was a joint effort between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA). Reports indicate that Al-Issa was with his wife and grandson during the strike.
Early Life and Background
Al-Issa’s early life remains largely undocumented in public records. However, it is known that he was born in Syria and gained significant combat experience while fighting in Iraq and Syria. In 2005, he relocated to Gaza, bringing his military expertise to Hamas. Upon his arrival, he significantly contributed to Hamas’s operational capabilities following their takeover of Gaza in 2007.
Career and Role in Hamas
Career of Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa
Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa’s career within Hamas was marked by significant contributions to the organization’s military and strategic operations. His role in Hamas extended far beyond a traditional leadership position, as he helped build and enhance the military wing of the organization, significantly influencing its combat capabilities and structure.
Head of Combat Support Headquarters
As the Head of Combat Support Headquarters, Al-Issa was responsible for overseeing the development and deployment of specialized units within Hamas. His role primarily focused on increasing the operational capabilities of Hamas’s military branches, especially through the integration of aerial and naval combat strategies. Al-Issa was instrumental in establishing the technical and logistical frameworks necessary for these units to operate effectively against the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This position enabled him to direct efforts to counter Israeli air superiority, providing Hamas with more diversified forms of combat.
Head of Training Headquarters:
In addition to his work in combat support, Al-Issa served as the Head of Training Headquarters. In this role, he helped establish the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades’ military academy, which became an essential institution for training Hamas fighters. Al-Issa’s work in this area was pivotal, as he was directly involved in developing training programs for thousands of Hamas recruits. These recruits went on to serve in various high-stakes operations against Israel. Under his leadership, the training academy gained a reputation for producing skilled fighters proficient in both traditional and unconventional warfare tactics.
General Security Council Membership:
Another key role Al-Issa held within Hamas was as a member of the General Security Council. In this capacity, he played a critical role in Hamas’s strategic planning and the execution of military operations. He worked alongside other senior leaders to coordinate large-scale operations, ensuring that Hamas’s activities were carefully planned and carried out to maximize effectiveness. His influence within the council was crucial during major escalations between Hamas and Israel, as he was one of the strategic minds behind numerous military decisions.
Read Also: Julian Rodriguez Wikipedia, Biography, Age, Weight, Record, Net Worth
Death and Airstrike
Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa’s death marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. His death was the result of a targeted airstrike, which was part of Israel’s broader efforts to eliminate key Hamas figures involved in orchestrating major attacks against Israel.
Details of the Airstrike
On June 27, 2025, Al-Issa was killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. The strike was carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and supported by the Israel Security Agency (ISA). Intelligence agencies had been tracking Al-Issa’s movements for some time, and his significant role in planning major operations, including the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, made him a top target. The airstrike targeted a building where Al-Issa was reportedly staying at the time, along with his wife and grandson.
The operation was highly coordinated and executed with precision, highlighting the Israeli military’s focus on dismantling Hamas’s leadership. Israeli officials claimed that the strike was part of a broader strategy to weaken Hamas’s ability to plan and carry out attacks. Al-Issa’s death represented a severe blow to Hamas’s military leadership and its operational capabilities, particularly because he had been a key player in its strategic military planning.
Personal Life
Details about Al-Issa’s personal life are scarce. He was known to be married and had at least one grandchild. His family members were reportedly present during the airstrike that led to his death.
Conclusion
Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa’s death marked a significant blow to Hamas’s military leadership. His strategic contributions and leadership were central to the organization’s military operations. The targeted airstrike that eliminated him underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’s operational capabilities.
FAQs
Who was Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa?
He was a senior Hamas leader and one of the founding members of the organization’s military wing.
What roles did Al-Issa hold within Hamas?
He served as the Head of Combat Support Headquarters, Head of Training Headquarters, and was a member of Hamas’s General Security Council.
What was Al-Issa’s involvement in the October 7, 2023, attack?
He played a significant role in planning and executing the attack, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals.
Where was Al-Issa born?
He was born in Syria.
When did Al-Issa relocate to Gaza?
He moved to Gaza in 2005.
What was the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades?
It is the military wing of Hamas, responsible for conducting military operations.
What was the significance of Al-Issa’s death?
His death dealt a significant blow to Hamas’s military leadership and operational capabilities.
How did Al-Issa die?
He was killed in a targeted Israeli airstrike in Gaza City.
Was Al-Issa married?
Yes, he was married and had at least one grandchild.
